IUP womens basketball prepare for rivalry game

The women's PSAC tournament is shaping up to be quite a spectacle, with match-ups like IUP versus Cal U. These two teams are going to make for a great game at Memorial Field House. 

Not only do these two teams have the same divisional record, but they also split the two games they previously played against each other this year, with each team winning on its home court. 

It is undoubted in my mind that the Crimson Hawks have the advantage by being able to play in front of their home fans.

They will have to play their "A" game, which means players like sophomore forward Sarah Pastorek and senior guard Lacey Claar will have to put up big points, while players like sophomore Katelyn Marshall will have to play good defense. 

I think that the strongest part of this Crimson Hawk team is definitely its defense.

Many people think that offense is the most important part of the game, but this IUP team seems to get its offense off of playing its great defense. Saturday night against Mercyhurst marked the ninth time that the Crimson Hawks were able to hold their opponent to less than 50 points this season.

Along with their great defense comes great offense, and with both of those you're sure to have the recipe for wins. That is exactly what the Hawks accomplished this season. They won 11 divisional games this season, tying a school record. 

Going into the first round of conference playoffs, the Crimson Hawks seem to be clicking on all cylinders, playing great defense and turning in a pretty good effort on offense as well. 

When the Vulcans come to Indiana tonight, they will already know what kind of team they will face. 

In their win over the Vulcans Feb. 9, the Crimson Hawks held them to just four points in the last 9:52 of the game, taking a three-point victory, 60-57. This Cal team may give IUP a little trouble, but I think that the Crimson Hawk defense will prevail. 

Playing against a team that you have already faced twice has its advantages and disadvantages. 

The Hawks and the Vulcans may know what to expect tonight, but I think that the advantage clearly goes to the team who plays the best defense. 

The Crimson Hawks gave up 93 points to Cal in their lost to them earlier in the year. I think that having a first round match up like this will only help the Crimson Hawks and strengthen the team as a whole.

I think that IUP will have trouble holding the Vulcans to less than 50 points, but hold them to just enough to get that victory and advance.